Ratchet mechanism

ABSTRACT

A ratchet tool is described which has a ring for reversal of the ratcheting mechanism. The ratcheting tool comprises a workreceiving member that fits into a cylindrical recess of a ratchet tool housing and which has a segmentally relieved, inner, flat surface to define a segmental recess with a chordal shoulder. A segemental pawl is disposed within the recess and is biased to either side of the segmental recess by resilient means that is biased between the pawl and abutment means, the latter being eccentrically carried on the inside surface of the ring means. In its preferred embodiment, the ratcheting tool has a cap that serves as a force plate and is in force transmitting relationship to the work-receiving means whereby an axial force or pressure can be applied to the tool. Another preferred embodiment employs a circular flange on the work-receiving member to provide a peripheral gripping surface whereby the work-receiving member may be rotated with finger pressure.



1. A ratcheting tool comprising: a ratchet body housing having a through cavity with a cylindrival opening bearing internal ratchet teeth; a work-receiving member mounted in one end thereof and having a relieved portion on its inside flat face to form a recess defined by a bearing shoulder on said member and the cylindrical opening; a pawl having an outwardly facing arcuate set of teeth adapted to mesh with said internal ratchet teeth and a bearing surface opposed to said bearing surface of said work-receiving member; wheel means having a peripheral gripping surface rotatably mounted on said housing with abutment means eccentrically carried thereon and projecting into said housing; and resilient means within said housing and biased between said abutment means and said pawl whereby said pawl is biased to either side of said recess by rotation of said ring.
 2. The ratcheting tool of claim 1 wherein: said wheel means comprises a ring rotatably mounted on said housing with a circular boss on its inner face that fits within said circular opening.
 3. The ratcheting tool of claim 2 wherein: said work-receiving member has a circular flange bearing against the side of said housing opposite said ring with assembly means to detachably secure said ring to said work-receiving member.
 4. The ratcheting tool of claim 3 wherein: said assembly means comprises a circular cap having a central boss projecting through the central aperture of said ring and bearing, in force transmitting relationship, against the inside flat face of said work-receiving member with means to secure said cap to said work-receiving member.
 5. The ratcheting tool of claim 4 wherein: said work-receiving member has a centrally positioned and tapped bore; said cap has a central bore; and a cap screw extending through said central bore into threaded engagement with said centrally positioned and tapped bore.
 6. The ratcheting tool of claim 5 wherein: said cap has a central boss bearing against the inner flat face of said work-receiving member.
 7. The ratcheting tool of claim 6 wherein: said resilient means comprises a bifurcated spring, said abutment projects into the bight of said spring and the free ends of said spring are secured to said pawl.
 8. The ratcheting tool of claim 4 wherein: the circular flange of said work-receiving member has a peripheral gripping surface to permit direct rotational movement of said work-receiving member.
 9. The ratcheting tool of claim 1 wherein: said recess is segmental and said work-receiving member has a chordal shoulder for bearing engagement with said bearing surface of said pawl.
 10. The ratcheting tool of claim 9 wherein: said pawl is segmental with a shorter chord than said chordal shoulder.
 11. The ratcheting tool of claim 10 wherein: the inner flat surface of said work-receiving member has a second, segmentally relieved portion to form a second, segmental recess and said abutment means projects into said second, segmental recess. 